The Kitsap County Democratic Central Committee is seeking applicants to fill the District 1 Kitsap County Commission vacancy that will be open on the effective date of Commissioner Steve Bauer’s resignation.
Bauer announced Jan. 10 he is resigning effective Feb. 28 so he could spend more time with his family. The North Kitsap commissioner earns $109,907 a year. Commissioners set policy, approve laws and manage a $325 million budget. Terms are for four years, but the person appointed to succeed Bauer will have to run in the next election to complete his term, which expires in 2012.
The Central Committee must submit three nominees to the Kitsap County Board of Commissioners, from which they will select the appointee.
A candidate must be a registered voter, a Democrat, and a resident of Commission District 1 (basically northern Kitsap and Bainbridge Island). Persons wanting an application should call Central Committee Chairman Michael Arnold at 360-698-6833, e-mail Kitsapchair@yahoo.com or write KCDCC Application, P.O. Box 27, Silverdale, WA 98383.
The deadline for applications is Feb. 11, 4 p.m.
Timeline for selection of three nominees for the position of Kitsap County Commissioner District 1
— Feb. 9: The Central Committee mails a “Special Caucus” call, along with the rules and timeline to all elected and appointed resident Precinct Committee officers.
— Feb. 11, 4 p.m.: Deadline for candidate applications by mail from interested persons desiring consideration as a nominee. The mailing address is KCDCC, P.O. Box 27, Silverdale, WA 98383. Should hand delivery become necessary in order to meet the deadline and time, hand carry to Chairman Michael Arnold at 1331 Eastlake Drive, Bremerton 98312, or Treasurer Ginger Sommerhauser at 753 Orrfelt Drive NW, Bremerton 98311.
— Feb. 14, 5 p.m.: Special executive session of the Central Committee Executive Board to screen all applicants for vacancy, determine eligibility and forward at least three names to the Central Committee for selection.
— Feb. 22, 6:30 p.m.: Special caucus meeting of all elected and appointed resident Precinct Committee officers to select three nominees, in ranked order of preference, to be submitted to the Kitsap County Board of County Commissioners for appointment of a new County Commissioner.
Only elected and appointed resident Precinct Committee officers are eligible to vote in the special caucus. To be eligible to vote, any appointed Precinct Committee officer must have been appointed by the Central Committee chairman no later than Jan. 18. No proxies or absentee ballots are allowed.
A declaration of candidacy for appointment to the County Commission, not to exceed five minutes in length, shall be made from the floor by the candidate and/or others speaking on his or her behalf.
The Central Committee chairman shall retain custody of the ballots for a minimum of three months after the special caucus.
This timeline allows the Board of County Commissioners to appoint a replacement County Commissioner at the commission meeting on Feb. 28 or anytime thereafter.
